Happy weekend! We hope you are enjoying a couple days of rest and relaxation! Now it is time to sit back with a cup of tea or java, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news… 

Royal Caribbean provided a sneak peak at its next Quantum Class ship, which will be a brand new kind of Quantum Class ship, known as the Quantum Ultra Class.

As part of the cruise line's 2018-19 Asia-Pacific deployment release, the yet-to-be-named ship is the first Quantum Ultra Class ship, and will join sister ships Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas in the region.

The new ship will specifically be designed for guests in the region, featuring even more cutting-edge and unprecedented experiences and amenities.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean made its inaugural visit to Havana, Cuba.
• A new ultimate dining package option is available to purchase.
• Royal Caribbean released stellar first quarter financial results.
• Five interesting facts that emerged from Royal Caribbean's quarterly earnings report.
• Adventure of the Seas will get a refurbishment in January 2018, and subsequently canceled a few sailings.
• Royal Caribbean released new construction photos of Symphony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean broke ground on a new pier for CocoCay.
• Check out a Grand Suite photo tour on Harmony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean wrapped up a record cruise season in Australia.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 195th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and we are talking about what it is like to stay in a suite.

In this episode, Matt talks about his recent suite experience on Royal Caribbean and shares the best aspects of staying in a suite and why it may be worth trying one out.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean Blog Reader Finds

If you are on a Royal Caribbean cruise and spot something cool, new or just fun, share a photo with us on Facebook or Twitter so we can add it to our Royal Caribbean Blog Reader Finds each Sunday!

Sannie Berg sent this photo of Independence of the Seas visiting Rotterdam, instead of Le Havre due to strikes, from earlier today.

Christine Hirsch took this photo of Explorer of the Seas in Suva, Fiji, while onboard the Oceania Sirena.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

In The Loop Travel has a look at an ideal day in Labadee.

Eat Sleep Cruise has six reasons to visit Sabor on Harmony of the Seas.

CNBC interviewed Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman Richard Fain to discuss the company's quarterly results.

Cruise Hive has four reasons you should prebook.

CruiseBe has a look at the family of cruise lines in Royal Caribbean.

Spring is here and it is also Sunday, which means we are celebrating warm(er) temperatures and Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Royal Caribbean's CEO made news this week, when he briefly mentioned a number of new initiatives and changes coming to the cruise line over the next few years.

In an interview with Travel Weekly, Michael Bayley talked about adding a water park to CocoCay, Majesty of the Seas going to Cuba and overnight stays in CocoCay.

Bayley also talked about what guests can expect on Symphony of the Seas, and when the next batch of information will be revealed.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's first cruise to Cuba set sail this week.
• Royal Caribbean added a new floating bar in Labadee.
• Five things to love about Liberty of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean rolled out a Chops Grille lunch option.
• We added a new Symphony of the Seas construction photo update.
• The internet/drink package combo is back for sale on pre-cruise purchases.
• Royal Caribbean scheduled its first quarter 2017 earnings call with investors.
• There is an option to get a discount on specialty restaurants if you dine there the first night.
• Excursion review of Kukoo Kunuku Palm Beach Tour in Aruba.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 194th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which reviews the Private Journeys shore excursion option.

Have you ever struggled with finding the perfect shore excursion for your family? Royal Caribbean has a new custom shore excursion option that we tried out on a recent cruise.  In this episode, Matt and Christie discuss their experience with Private Journeys and what to expect if you try it out.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Royal Caribbean has a look at the Ultimate Abyss slide on Harmony of the Seas.

TTG Media has a look at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. cruise industry first transgender policy.

Travel Pulse covered the recent dress code updates by Royal Caribbean.

Travel Weekly reported on a new airport luggage service at Port of Seattle.

Happy Easter! Whether you are celebrating the beautiful Spring holiday with a luxurious meal, or hunting for eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny, I hope that you are having a relaxing Sunday.

Have you ever been to Kennedy Space Center near Port Canaveral, Florida? It is the preeminent attraction near the port, and a monument to some incredible moments in human history.  We visited Kennedy Space Center for the first time on a recent cruise visit.

Royal Caribbean offers a few shore excursions that tour Kennedy Space Center, and we shared our experience at the center, including seeing one of the space shuttles.

Royal Caribbean News

• A tropical cyclone caused Voyager of the Seas to change itineraries.
• Royal Caribbean UK launched new fly-cruise packages.
• A new video showcasing the Hideaway Heist on Harmony of the Seas.
• Answers to 10 common questions about the unlimited drink package.
• Our guide to Anthem of the Seas for first time cruiser's.
• We shared our readers' favorite Royal Caribbean photos.

On This Week in Royal Caribbean History

Two years ago this week, Royal Caribbean announced it was doing away with the last-minute cruise discounts on cruises more than two to four nights in length.

Royal Caribbean Chairman Richard Fain called the long-held practice “disruptive” to loyal customers and travel agents during a conference call on first-quarter earnings.

In the time since, Royal Caribbean tweaked the policy a couple of times, but retains the program to this day.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise Habit looks at what documents or authorization one needs to cruise to Cuba.

Adventures with Beci shares a tip for what to do if your favorite shore excursion is sold out.

CruiseBe has 9 facts you might not know about Oasis of the Seas.

EatSleepCruise shared a photo tour of a Central Park View Stateroom on Harmony of the Seas.

Traveling with Mom has the ultimate guide to cruising with a family on Allure of the Seas.

They say April showers brings May flowers, but Sundays bring you a round-up of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news!

The Royal Caribbean news everyone was talking about this week was another update to Royal Caribbean's suggested attire, where shorts, tees, and tank tops were removed from the list.

Royal Caribbean revised its dress code suggestions just around two weeks after it added shorts to the list, which generated a lot of discussion as well.

The change applies to the casual dress code, and as many cruise veterans have noted in our comments, the dress code has rarely been enforced.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced a new partnership with Puerto Rico to improve the Pan American II Pier.
• New construction photo update from Symphony of the Seas shows the AquaTheater suites ready to be installed.
• Check out our list of the Top 10 Anthem of the Seas hidden secrets.
• Royal Caribbean kicked off a 100 hour weekend sale.
• Our full review of the British Colonial Hilton day pass in Nassau, Bahamas.
• We shared a look at the tapas plate available at Vintages on Navigator of the Seas.
• Take a photo tour of a Grand Suite on Anthem of the Seas.
• A new Harmony of the Seas' Ultimate Abyss Vinfographic was released.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 192nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has five rules for getting a great price on a Royal Caribbean cruise,

Among all the questions typically asked, Matt finds the most common one is about how to get a "deal" on a Royal Caribbean cruise.  In this episode, Matt shares the five things anyone can do to get a great price.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Join us aboard the largest cruise ship in the world!

We are so excited to announce the next group cruise for readers and staff of RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com aboard Harmony of the Seas!  This is an exclusive group where we are inviting you, our readers, to join us on a fantastic Harmony of the Seas sailing on an 7-night cruise to the Western Caribbean.

This Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise is all about enjoying a fun Royal Caribbean cruise along with other fans who are big fans of Royal Caribbean.  Don't miss this opportunity to check out the amazing ship as well as be a part of exclusive events for those that book with our group!

For more details on booking the cruise, the itinerary and prices, check out the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise page and if you have any questions, email me!

On This Week in Royal Caribbean History

Two years ago this week, Royal Caribbean took delivery of Anthem of the Seas at a ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Ship builder Meyer Werft handed over the second Quantum-class cruise ship to Royal Caribbean. Immediately after that ceremony, Anthem of the Seas began heading to Southampton, U.K. for her inaugrual sailings.

Anthem of the Seas spent the summer in Southampton, prior to crossing the Atlantic to her permanent homeport in Cape Liberty, New Jersey later that year.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Mikayla Jane Travels offers an ultimate guide to Voyager of the Seas.

Travel + Leisure shared five things to know about Symphony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a list of how to make the best use of 8 hours in Labadee.

Cruise Habit answers what exactly are harbor pilots.

Royal Caribbean is also working with the WWF to find sustainable tour operators.

Happy weekend! We hope Spring is starting to arrive where you live.  Regardless of the weather, it is time to sit back, relax, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news!

Gather three of your closest, thrill seeking friends and you could win a free Royal Caribbean cruise as part of the cruise line's new contest.

Royal Caribbean is holding a contest to find Instagram adventure seekers who want to travel the world and compete for the title of "World's Most Adventurous Squad".

Royal Caribbean will hold five adventure-themed Instagram challenges. Each challenge will run for 72 hours on Royal Caribbean’s Instagram account starting on March 29 and through April 12. To take part in the challenge, adventurers simply post their photo to Instagram, tag three friends that will comprise their squad and use the hashtag #AdventureSquad and #Contest.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean added shorts to the approved clothing list for casual night in the main dining room.
• Anthem of the Seas had a propulsion problem, and had to alter her itinerary.
• Freedom of the Seas will call San Juan, Puerto Rico its new home in 2018-2019.
• We shared a spotlight look at the CocoCay Beach Bungalows.
• Speaking of CocoCay, we also shared a construction progress photo report earlier this week.
• Did you see Royal Caribbean's April Fools Day joke for this year?
• We shared a photo tour of the AquaTheater Suite on Harmony of the Seas.
• Check out our full review of Jamie's Italian on Anthem of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean released a new Symphony of the Seas construction photo update.
• Empress of the Seas is now offering luggage storage for guests who board early.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 191st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a full review of Matt's recent Anthem of the Seas cruise.

In this episode, Matt shares a review of his recent sailing on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. It was a fun-filled cruise to the Bahamas, and Matt shares his experiences onboard and onshore.  

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise Tips TV has a new video with Royal Caribbean tips and money saving tricks.

Flights of Fancy Mom has a review of their recent Freedom of the Seas cruise.

CruiseHabit shares helpful information about credit cards and changing currency in Cuba.

Cruise Radio listed their top 9 Royal Caribbean restaurants.

Last week was a pretty busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and this week continued that trend with lots of changes and announcements. Luckily, we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

The news that garnered a lot of attention (and even more comments) this week was the announcement Royal Caribbean will begin charging for room service.

The cruise line will charge guests a fee of $7.95 per order of room service from the All Day Menu and the American Section of the breakfast menu.

As part of the change, Royal Caribbean is also introducing a new fleet wide room service menu, The new menu features upgraded items such as the Royal Wagyu Burger, a classic Philly cheese steak with shaved rib eye, chicken wings with a choice of four sauces, and a healthy grilled salmon dish with cucumber mint yogurt, to name a few.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced its 2018-2019 Caribbean, Alaska and Northeast itineraries.
• Royal Caribbean entered into a joint partnership to upgrade a port in Malaysia.
• Guests can begin spending onboard credit via the Cruise Planner on select ships.
• We shared a new Symphony of the Seas construction photo update.
• The azipods for Symphony of the Seas have arrived at the STX Franch shipyard.
• We will be live blogging from Anthem of the Seas beginning this weekend.
• Royal Caribbean was named one of the world's most ethical companies for the second year in a row.
• We have a photo tour of the new Chops Grille on Adventure of the Seas.
• Legend of the Seas embarked upon its final sailing as a Royal Caribbean ship.
• There are two new bottled alcohol packages to purchase.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

The 189th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and we are previewing Matt's upcoming cruise on Anthem of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt is about to cruise on Anthem of the Seas and he is sharing why he picked this ship, what his plans are onboard and some of the new experience he has lined up.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

CruiseHabit reported on the deal Royal Caribbean's parent company signed with Port Everglades.

Cruise1st.com.au has 9 cruise dining hacks that will save time, effort and money (#2 is particularly well-written).

TTG indicated Symphony of the Seas will host travel agents from the UK next year.

Happy Daylight Savings Time! No one enjoys losing an hour of sleep, so we will make you feel better with a round-up of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news.

The big, big, big news of this week was Royal Caribbean's announcement of its newest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean revealed the name of its fourth Oasis Class ship, along with the nearly big news that Symphony of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will homeport at the brand new Terminal A in PortMiami. 

Royal Caribbean also put its 2018-2019 Symphony of the Seas sailings on sale to the public, adding to another very busy week of Symphony of the Seas news.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced a large expansion at CocoCay.
• Royal Caribbean broke ground on its new PortMiami cruise terminal.
• Five things to be excited about that will be different on Symphony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean celebrated a sustainable shore excursion milestone.
• Bolidt will provide glow-in-the-dark lighting for Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.
• A look at the Barefoot Beach cabanas in Labadee.
• Royal Caribbean signed a new deal with Singapore Tourism Board to grow the fly-cruise market.
• Our photo tour of a Family Panoramic Stateroom on Freedom of the Seas.
• Chops Grille is now open on Adventure of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 188th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and we are sharing packing tips for a cruise.

In this episode, Matt asked packing expert, Sheri, to share some of her strategies for leaner packing before a cruise.  Overpacking is a common pitfall for cruisers, new and old, so this episode aims to help everyone bring less in their suitcases.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Eat Sleep Cruise has 10 tips for using your smartphone on a cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean featured a foodie blogger's favorite way to travel.

Cruise Hive has top 3 Royal Caribbean ships for shore excursions.

Welcome to March! We hope you are having a great weekend and are ready to sit back, relax and catch up with all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean announced this week it will recategorize all of its staterooms across the fleet, in an effort to make things simpler for guests and booking agents.

The new categorizations will introduce new category codes that feature intuitive category names. Stateroom category shifts are based on attributes, size, location, and occupancy.

The changes will go into effect with the upcoming 2018-2019 itineraries. With the exception of Quantum of the Seas, all ships and ship classes are affected equally.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will add lifeguards to its cruise ships.
• A new Royal Caribbean sales promotion began this week for the month of March.
• Deck plans for Oasis 4 (Symphony of the Seas) were released, but then rescinded.
• Our full review of Royal Caribbean's Private Journeys custom shore excursion in Curacao.
• Five things you can do on Anthem of the Seas (and no other cruise line).
• We reviewed dinner at Sabor Modern Mexican on Navigator of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean released a video of the escape room experience on Harmony of the Seas.
• Take a photo tour of a Grand Suite on Navigator of the Seas.
• Check out this fun souvenir drink cup that looks like the Viking Crown Lounge.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 187th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and we have a LIVE review of the ABC islands.

In this episode, Matt and everyone that was aboard the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise recorded a review of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.  The group discussed their experiences at these islands, and shared recommendations and advice for someone visiting any of these Southern Caribbean destinations on a future cruise.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Wander-Filled Life has a review of their Adventure of the Seas cruise to the Southern Caribbean.

TravelPulse reveals the top cruise trends for 2017.

Cruise Tips TV has a new video about how to pack a carry on bag only for a 7-night cruise.

Cruise Habit explains what happens if the price goes down after you book a cruise.

DuJour shares a drink recipe from the Bionic Bar.

Travel Agent Central talks about the new Royal Caribbean group tour conductor credit benefiting travel agents.

Happy Sunday and we hope you had a great week.  It was a busy week of Royal Caribbean fun, and we have a round-up of all of it in this hand-dandy blog post.

The headline many Royal Caribbean fans talked about this week was Majesty of the Seas being delayed for one night in Port Canaveral following an U.S. Coast Guard inspection.

Evidently, the Coast Guard was not satisfied with some of the safety equipment on Majesty of the Seas, and Royal Caribbean had to resolve the issues before the ship was cleared. Luckily, the ship was only delayed for one evening and was able to get underway soon thereafter.

For the delay, Royal Caribbean provided its guests with a 25% refundable onboard credit, and a 25% Future Cruise Certificate.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean decided to cancel all stops in Turkey in 2017.
• Royal Caribbean released a video about the fresh pasta made daily at Jamie's Italian.
• We are LIVE on Navigator of the Seas.  You can follow along every day of our adventure in our live blog.
• Our favorite things to do on a Royal Caribbean balcony.
• How being early is the secret to a great Royal Caribbean cruise all around.
• We spotted a change to the mini-bar procedure in Royal Caribbean staterooms.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 185th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and are previewing our Navigator of the Seas cruise!

In this episode, Matt talks about why he picked to go on Navigator of the Seas and shares what his plans are for this sailing, including some new experiences he is excited to try for the first time.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

From the Deck Chair is sharing tips for booking your cruise online.

Daily Mail has an interview with a Royal Caribbean performer about what her life and job are like on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean shares how it is the first cruise line to customize the decarbonization approach.

Forbes has an interview with Royal Caribbean CIO Michael Giresi on how the company plans to innovate.

Happy weekend before Valentine's Day! We hope you are having a fun and relaxing weekend. The perfect compliment to any Sunday is our round-up of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news.

Royal Caribbean announced, and then subsequently extended a new WOW Sale promotion, where guests can take advantage of a number of great offers.

The WOW Sale includes 60% off the second guest, up to $200 in onboard credit and 50% reduced deposit for bookings made through February 13.  This offer is open to residents of the United States and Canada.

The WOW Sale is combined with the February Wave Season offer that is going on, and we have heard from lots of readers who have been able to take advantage of this latest promotion.

Royal Caribbean News

• Enjoy this photo tour of the water slides on Adventure of the Seas.
• If you were wondering, here are the pros and cons to Royal Caribbean's drink packages.
• Our comprehensive guide to Royal Caribbean's Voom WiFi internet options.
• We' are counting down the top 5 Harmony of the Seas bars and lounges.
• We spotted new tiki mugs for sale on Labadee and on Royal Caribbean ships.
• The secrets to taking great photos on your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 184th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and have an overview of the main dining room on Royal Caribbean ships.

In this episode, Matt discusses what the main dining room offers guests, and shares tips and strategies for a great time dining there throughout the cruise.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

The Miami Herald looks at how Ovation of the Seas caters to the Chinese guest.

Royal Caribbean has a look at the "where" and "when" of sailings.

One Boston Herald writer is enjoying cruising after years of avoiding it.

TimeOut London has a look at 10 awesome robots (including one on Royal Caribbean).

Condé Nast Traveler shares 10 amazing Caribbean gems that are sure to move higher up on your travel list.

Royal Caribbean has a list of the coolest new 2017 cruises.